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Mark P
7:38
Due to breaking news and a day off for yours truly, the Weekend Chat has become the New Year's Day chat!  Hopefully everyone had a fun NY's Eve, and let's take some questions....
Dan K
7:38
Do you see the Red Sox lining up with another team on a Kenley Jansen trade?
Mark P
7:39
It makes some sense, though the Red Sox want to contend this year.  Moving Jansen (and weakening the bullpen) when they're trying to improve the pitching situation overall doesn't seem like a great idea, since having a strong pen can help make up for any deficiencies in the rotation.

Granted, Boston did just move Sale, but Jansen isn't going to land an everyday player with six years of control.
CanadaWideCards
7:40
Do the Jays really have a shot of trading for Joae Rameriz
Mark P
7:40
Nope.  Cleveland isn't moving Ramirez for anyone.
Guest
7:41
I see the article posted about Polanco. Would Espinal + a reliever (Garcia/Richards) get it done?
Mark P
7:41
Nope.  Espinal might be a borderline big leaguer, and the Twins already have a lot of infielders (hence why Polanco is available in the first place).
7:42
The Twins might want to cut salary, but they're not going to give Polanco away for nothing
Cbus supporter
7:42
It seems like most Cleveland fans want Bieber to stay and head up a potential top 5 rotation. Why are all the experts so sure he gets traded?
Mark P
7:43
Because the Guardians have consistently dealt top players/trade chips before they reach free agency, except for Jose Ramirez.  I don't think Bieber will be another exception.
Ben Q
7:43
Thoughts on the Brewers infield situation? Feels like a move has to be made to bolster 2nd/3rd.
Mark P
7:44
Agreed.  Gio Urshela makes a lot of sense for Milwaukee as depth at either position, thinking of name who has surfaced in some recent rumors.
Super2
7:44
Do you see the cubs doing anything at all?
Mark P
7:45
Yep.  Still lots of time left in the offseason and lots of interesting free agents/trade targets available.
Mr. Big
7:45
Why isn’t Perry cooking? I’m starving as an angels fan and these appetizers ain’t doing it for me.
Mark P
7:46
The Angels are another team who will get something done before now and Opening Day, yet part of me wonders if players are simply wary about signing for a team with such a rough recent history, and who don't seem to be close to contention.
7:47
Obviously money can change a player's mind and Arte Moreno hasn't been shy about spending in the past.  Yet if you're a free agent offered a big salary from the Angels and an only slightly smaller deal from a more clearcut contenders....
Mlb2024
7:48
What do you predict the pirates due in  the rest of free agency or trades? Any type of names they may be in talks for?
Mark P
7:49
Again, it's January 1 and there's still time.  Though at the moment, Pittsburgh's offseason has looked pretty similar to their past offseasons --- mostly bounce-back types of veterans on short-term contracts rather than any big impact additions.
7:50
It's hard to confidently predict the Pirates will make a bigger move until they, you know, make such a move, yet the willingness is surely there.  Perhaps for financial reasons, I might think an impact trade could be more likely than a signing.
phil of delphia
7:50
should the braves revert to their old boston-era name of the bees?
Mark P
7:50
Beads?!
JC
7:51
Happy New Year! If the Astros did market Framber, what’s a reasonable return in a trade?
Mark P
7:52
Two years of control over a proven ace?  Houston can and would ask for (at least) one MLB-ready younger player, one high-level prospect, and maybe two more players.  Say, a longer-shot prospect and one more notable (if not top 100) prospect, or maybe a lottery ticket and another MLB player like a reliever or something.
7:53
This is "at least," mind you.  Valdez would have a ton of value as a trade chip, but that said, the Astros seem far likelier to deal a lesser pitcher (if anyone) because Valdez is so key to their own plans
guest
7:55
As of what date does the team payroll count toward the luxury tax calculation in terms of what tier ,etc ?  thanks
Mark P
7:55
I believe it's at the end of the regular season, but I'm not actually sure off the top of my head.

Speaking of the 2023 tax calculations....
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/eight-teams-combine-for-record-...
Twins
7:56
How happy is the owners of the Twins with falvey and lavine?  Will they get contract extension?
Mark P
7:59
The Twins have been pretty successful (if inconsistent) overall under "Falvine," so I could see ownership be interested in keeping the front office structure in place.

Falvey and Levine are apparently both entering the last year of their contracts.  As I noted the other day, Levine in particular might be interested in moving on if he continues to get interest in PBO jobs elsewhere.  It's possible the Twins' financial situation might also factor into either man's willingness to stay put, or if they might seek out a new challenge.  That said, landing another job isn't always easy, so there's some obvious benefit to staying in Minnesota and continuing to build a pretty decent team.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/managers-top-front-office-execu...
Mark p
7:59
Who will win the AL Central?
Mark P
8:00
Who wins the AL Central?
Guardians (24.7% | 477 votes)
 
Royals (12.1% | 233 votes)
 
Tigers (21.2% | 410 votes)
 
Twins (37.4% | 722 votes)
 
White Sox (4.6% | 89 votes)
 
Total Votes: 1,931
Jimmy John no saandwich
8:00
Will Mauer make the hof?
Mark P
8:00
Yes, but probably not this year
see what he Getz
8:01
Do you think the White Sox GM overplayed his hand on demands for Cease and scared away the Dodgers, Braves and Reds who all went elsewhere ?
Mark P
8:02
Probably not, since if Getz lowers that reported asking price, a lot of teams would get involved.  Getz doesn't have any need to move Cease immediately, and it's possible he might even get 90% of what he's asking for if another suitor is desperate for pitching
Cap
8:03
Do you believe mlb should have a cap?
Mark P
8:03
Every team requires their players to wear caps, and I love the tradition
8:04
For a more serious answer, no, a salary cap isn't necessary.
CYoung
8:04
Do i trade some of my very blocked prospects/and or Duran for pitching help? One has to wonder what it must be like for him to know he has to wait for an injury to get any kind've consistent playing time
Mark P
8:05
Trades might be the Rangers' more logical option if spending is (relatively) more limited this winter, due to their TV deal uncertainties.  That said, having depth is always important, since injuries are inevitable.
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